2009 Family Reunion

We did a Family Reunion in August: Bristol (niece) was born. Dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in Nov (immediately in to Chemo). Christmas with the Family, and a fight with Uncle Bill lead him to sequester Grandma until she died.

Laguna Beach

We also shot down to Laguna Beach for the day, and had a nice brunch and walk on the beach.

Dad at the beach

Sarah and Melissa at the beach

Winter Reunion

Dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in Nov (immediately in to Chemo). And we did XMas with the family in the O.C., and up in Burbank.

Christmas Eve was a big fight (drama) between my Uncle Bill and Mom... as usual. Bill had a meltdown over a property dispute, pushed my stricken Dad into a wall, and promised to keep Grandma away from us and steal our inheritance as revenge -- which he did, until she was on her deathbed, and he let us see her (and capitulated against a lawsuit). But 6 years of family damage had already been done.

Dad was in chemo this Christmas, but finished chemo in spring, had remission and did a summer vacation to Europe. But after that he had complications, reoccurrence, and was in the hospital for the next Christmas and died in January. So this was our last Christmas as a family. Sadly, Bristol never got to know Grandpa Jim.

Melissa and I, preparing for the ritual gift opening ceremonies.

Dad looking chipper.

Spending time together.

The family went out for Dinner.

And our extended family Gunther and Kay. I've known Gunter since I was 6.